SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) Becoming a financial planner offers both financial rewards and the chance to help others. Whether you’re a recent graduate exploring your career path or a mid-career professional seeking change, this growing profession may be the right fit for you.

As more Americans recognize the value of partnering with a professional to chart their financial course, the demand for financial advisors is projected to grow by 13% through 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Earning the right credentials, like the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ certification, can lead to a higher salary, increased job satisfaction and happier clients.

The Certification Process

The CFP^® certification program generally takes 18 to 24 months to complete, depending on your time commitment, professional experience and educational background. The process involves completing coursework, passing an exam, accumulating experience and meeting ethics requirements. These rigorous standards make the process challenging. However, during the certification journey, you won’t be alone. CFP Board provides a variety of tools and resources to support your progress, including scholarships, an online forum that allows you to connect with peers and mentors, and a Career Center, where you can discover internships and jobs.

Benefits of Certification

While most financial planners can expect to pull in a high salary, CFP^® certification can boost your income by 12%, according to the College for Financial Planning. It can also fast-track your career, enhance your job prospects and help you build a client roster. As a CFP^® professional, you’ll bring a wealth of education and experience to the table, along with a commitment to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary for your clients. Clients can rest easy knowing you have agreed to put their best interests first.

More than 10,000 firms across the United States employ CFP^® professionals because they know that the certification inspires trust, confidence and satisfaction with consumers. In fact, 84% of consumers who work with a CFP^® professional say they are extremely or very satisfied.

Beyond greater job security and income, becoming a CFP^® professional brings other benefits, including continuing professional development, the flexibility to balance your personal and professional life, and opportunities to give back to the community by providing pro bono services.

For all the reasons above, it’s no surprise that the majority of CFP^® professionals are happy with the career moves that led them to where they are today. An astounding 93% of CFP^® professionals say they are very satisfied with their decision to pursue CFP^® certification, with most reporting that certification has directly contributed to their success and given them a competitive edge.

Next Steps

To get started on your new career today, visit getcfpcertified.org, where you can download a free guide to learn more about your next steps, whether you’re an established advisor seeking a competitive edge, a career-changer or student still exploring your options.

If helping people create stable financial futures sounds appealing to you, explore a career as a financial planner and find out for yourself about the many benefits the right certification can bring.

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